On Danielle

By now you've processed the notice that Pastor Danielle will begin a new call withthe NC Synod in August. Her last Sunday will be July 30, 5 1/2 years after she first arrived. She'll certainly be missed. 

Danielle has been a faithful colleague, a tireless worker, and a passionate defender of the faith. She came on board as our "token millennial" (as she described herself), but leaves rather middle aged (I'll take the heat for that comment!). We've watched her blossom into a wife, a pastor, and a mom, and we've enjoyed the fruits of her endlessly creative energy. 

Thankfully Danielle isn't going very far. The Synod has stolen her away -- we'll forgive them at some point, I'm sure! -- but she'll be serving the wider church on our behalf ... which means that we now claim Danielle as our missionary. And since missionaries need to check in every once in a while, we'll be more than happy to welcome her home whenever she has a Sunday free. 

In the coming weeks you'll receive word on how and when we'll say goodbye. In the meantime, enjoy these last few weeks of preaching and teaching and laughing and (highly likely) crying. July 30 will be here before you know it :(

Blessings to you, Danielle!

On terrorism and Ferguson Laurent

As I write this post, a news helicopter is circling over downtown Salisbury, undoubtedly here to film what may well be a [take your pick] gathering/protest/peaceful march as a result of the DA's ruling in the Ferguson Laurent case. 

It's hard to know what to think. Laurent was not the model citizen by any stretch of the imagination, and the DA's report exonerating the officer seems logical, given the facts pieced together by state investigators. 

So why the protest? It's important to remember that Laurent represents a demographic -- young black men -- who increasingly feel like they have to watch their backs around police. Was Laurent justified in firing the first shot at the officer? Not in my book. But are other young black men justified in raising questions? Of course they are ... although I hope they would do so in the spirit of civility and self-control ...

.... which is one of the many challenges we seem to be facing these days -- the lack of civility and self-control. Our governmental leaders certainly don't serve as role models ... nor does the Rutherfordton pastor who tried to "beat the evil spirit out of" his homosexual parishioner (from today's Salisbury Post). Another round of terrorist attacks in London last Saturday serves as the extreme example -- deranged murderers who take joy in bringing chaos and fear in the name of their "god."

What are we to do? There's no easy answer, but I have a hunch Jesus would start with a phrase he shared in the Sermon on the Mount: "blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God." In its original language, "blessed" (ashray) isn't a passive hope that folks will simply "be happy." Instead its an active plea, literally to get up and do something for the sake of what is right. "Get up and do something" you peacemakers, for you are children of God! In other words, get your hands dirty for the sake of what is right. Help to build a humane society rooted in civility and peace. 

Get up. Do something. Move ... because in time like these, God doesn't need peace-contemplators. God needs peace-makers. 

Blessings to you, my peace-maker friends. I'll see you around the neighborhood :) 

On Synod Assemblies

Dear friends, 

Greetings from Greensboro! At this very moment we're sitting in our North Carolina Synod Assembly, an annual gathering of pastors and lay leaders from throughout North Carolina. 486 people are here celebrating the ministries of the church, worshipping, hearing from our ELCA representatives, and taking a glimpse into the future. 

And yes, I'm typing this letter while someone is making a presentation. Sort of like someone who texts during one of my sermons! :)

Synod Assemblies might not sound interesting, but they're critically important to us as "church." It's so easy these days to care only about interests that matter to "me" and focus only on those things of local interest or concern. If we're not careful, the boundaries of God's kingdom become awfully small. 

In 1802 -- at St. John's, no less -- the North Carolina Synod was formed among Lutheran congregations that realized that life together was better than life apart. Today our synod includes 199 congregation of varying sizes. Once a year we gather together as family -- not literally around a big dinner table, but it sorta feels like that. It's a time to share stories, remember our purpose, and celebrate why it matters that we stay together. 

Which is precisely what we're doing. Pastor Danielle, Kristin May, Karen Jones, and Gary Rhodes are our delegates. Several other St. John-ers are here, too, serving in a variety of volunteer capacities. 

A good way to spend a weekend? Well, yes. It might not be for everybody, but it's important to be here. That's what makes us "synod," after all, which literally means "those journeying together." 

Blessings to you this week.